NBA vet joins D-Fenders

LOS ANGELES - After flying first class for years, lounging in five-star hotels and having his wallet bulging with a generous per diem, veteran NBA forward Othella Harrington is getting a taste of the D-League, where the travel and accomodations are spartan and the per diem allotment lean.

But the 34-year old Harrington had no complaints Friday, as he munched on a post-game meal in the Los Angeles D-Fenders' locker room at Staples Center.

Playing in his first game with the D-Fenders and his first professional game since last year with the Charlotte Bobcats, Harrington scored five points, with six rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench.

Harrington said he does not consider it demeaning for him to play in the D-League after being a solid NBA player for so many years.

"I definitely don't look at it as a step down,'' he said. "Everybody in this locker room is trying to accomplish the same goal, which is to play in the NBA. ''

How did he come to this point, toiling in the D-League, away from the bright lights and stardom of the NBA?

Well, Harrington did not receive any calls last summer from any NBA team that would guarantee him a roster spot for the 2008-2009 season. He received a few inquiries regarding playing overseas but nothing concrete.

Even when the period came around in January, when NBA teams could sign players to 10-day contracts, Harrington did not get a call or a text message inviting him to even have a workout audition.

"I was just sitting at home, working out,'' Harrington said. "I was disappointed. I still wanted to play. I was fortunate enough that the D-Fenders called.''

It was a no-brainer for D-Fenders coach Dan Panaggio, who has seen a whirlwind of players come and go from the roster this season.

"Othella wanted to play, he was available in the free agent player pool and we didn't have a bonafide power forward,'' Panaggio said. "He came because he loves the game and he thinks he wants to play at least a couple of more years.''

Because he spent 12 years in the NBA - which is the goal for every D-League player - Harrington enjoys instant credability with his new teammates.

"He provides us with leadership and he's got the respect of his teammates,'' Panaggio said. "And defensively, he gives us something.''

But it only will be for three more games. The D-Fenders are 16-31, following Friday's loss to the Erie BayHawks, and won't be going to the playoffs.

As for Harrington, he said he will work out this summer and hope to get a training camp invitation. And if not?

"I'll go into coaching,'' he said. "Anything to stay in basketball. I spent 12 years in the best league in the world and whatever I end up doing, I'll cherish what I've learned.''

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.